A University of Queensland virologist and vaccinologist received the top honour at the Life Science Queensland Gene Awards 2026 to advance vaccine discovery and translation.
Dr Chris McMillan received the inaugural SQ Bio-Innovation Bursary to support his research into innovative vaccine platforms and advanced delivery technologies.
Associate Professor Jakob Begun from Mater Research received the McCullough Robertson Industry Excellence.
Biotech company Southern RNA – which collaborates with UQ’s Base facility – received the Radium Capital Emerging Innovator Award.
Winners and finalists from UQ, partners and collaborators are:
SQ Bio-Innovation Bursary
- Dr Christ McMillan (UQ) – winner
- Dr Henry de Malmanche (UQ) – finalist
QIMR Berghofer Woman of Influence Award
- Honorary Professor Vicki Flenady (Mater Research) – finalist
- Honorary Professor Kristen Radford (Mater Research) – finalist
Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award
- Professor Kwun Fong (UQ and Prince Charles Hospital) – finalist
- Dr Bushra Nasir (UQ) – finalist
McCullough Robertson Industry Excellence Award
- Associate Professor Jakob Begun (Mater Research) – winner
Cytiva Company of the Year
- Translational Research Institute Australia – finalist
Radium Capital Emerging Innovator Award
- Southern RNA – winner
- Gelomics (backed by UniQuest Extension Fund) – finalist
- Proseek Bio – finalist
